News
Phil Mickelson at The Open: No driver, driving iron, new putter?
“My math is different from anyone else,” Phil Mickelson told reporters ahead of the British Open at Royal Birkdale.
It seems, much like his math was different in 2013 when he unleashed the Phrankenwood, Mickelson’s Open calculations have again returned a different result.
Lefty looks to be scrapping the driver in favor of a Callaway Epic 3-iron bent to 16 degrees, per a Golf Channel report. He will also carry a 3-wood this week; it’s a 13.5-degree Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero with a Mitsubishi Fubuki K 70X shaft.
Mickelson has carried an Apex UT 3-iron this year, which he’ll reportedly keep in the bag in addition to the driving iron.
Interestingly, we also spotted Mickelson testing an insert-less putter, deviating from his Odyssey Versa #9 White with a Microhinge Insert.
While he looked to be going back and forth between the milled-faced putter on the putting green, it looks like he continued testing the non-insert putter during his practice round, judging from on-course images like the featured image on the story.
Stories of Mickelson’s equipment tinkering are legendary on the PGA Tour. But if this switch up works the same way as his last major pre-Open shakeup, he’ll be holding the Claret Jug.
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Nigel Kent
Jul 24, 2017 at 2:28 am
Now we know he missed the cut without a driver, maybe it’s time he admitted he needs lessons . Can’t keep it on the fairway with any driver Callaway can make him ‘ must be the club, right ?
Mike Hunt
Jul 20, 2017 at 10:29 am
Let’s tell the real story- Phil had to pawn his driver so he could front the millions he has bet on him self, so when he wins the Open he can swim in money.
Matt
Jul 20, 2017 at 4:12 am
Go lefty. Easy to drive it OB judging by the wet windy first round so far. Won’t be surprised if a lot of drivers are banished this week and everyone is at the practice tee perfecting worm burners.
Dave
Jul 19, 2017 at 9:08 pm
Wonder what it is about having a keyboard in front of them that makes some guys feel the need to try to act like a tough guy when in reality they probably live in their parents basement and still get tucked in by their mommies.
Lloyd
Jul 19, 2017 at 6:23 pm
I feel your pain. Ignorance hurts.
Dave R
Jul 19, 2017 at 3:54 pm
More of the same old same old re Phil. leave his family out of this please. It’s his decision to do what he feels is right. And when it comes to his family that’s his business .
Roger in NZ
Jul 19, 2017 at 2:29 pm
Go Phil !! Wish you the Best in a Winning Result.
Jack
Jul 19, 2017 at 1:01 pm
Please don’t post anymore.
Dave
Jul 19, 2017 at 11:55 am
Maybe that is why he still has a family!!
Ryan
Jul 19, 2017 at 11:14 am
He has used that putter on and off since 2011. It’s an odyssey 9 black series with a different face mill than retail. For some reason, come July he tends to test that putter at the Scottish and The Open. Nearly won in 2011 using it at St George’s.
ND Hickman
Jul 19, 2017 at 10:20 am
Maybe he’s putting the XHot 3Deep back in his bag.
Gordy
Jul 19, 2017 at 9:58 am
After reading every comment, you guys are awfully cynical towards this article. You do realize that this is a golf website and in reality nothing it reports is very important and this is what this site reports correct?? The driving iron is way overrated but I will tell you I own a Callaway XHOT Deep 13.5 and it does keep the ball lower with less spin which makes it run out. With roll, I hit is as far as my driver. However, it is a draw bias an has a mean hook when it is swung improperly.
John the Merlin
Jul 19, 2017 at 5:07 pm
Not important? What??? NOOOO!!!!!!!
Teaj
Jul 19, 2017 at 9:56 am
I am just throwing it out there but could he be trying a milled face putter due to the speed of the greens being slower?
JOEL GOODMAN
Jul 19, 2017 at 9:24 am
IT AINT THE ARROW -IT’S THE INDIAN…SOMEBODY TELL PHIL………………………..
Aaron
Jul 19, 2017 at 9:02 am
Phil said he has the same phrankenwood in the bag this week as he had in 2013, not the Epic Sub zero
I bogey alot
Jul 19, 2017 at 8:18 am
ya darn his family right? The people that mean more to him and love him no matter what , he should just part ways with them like he did bones huh!
John Grossi
Jul 19, 2017 at 7:57 am
Who’s his caddie?
Travis
Jul 19, 2017 at 9:25 am
His brother
Jacked_Loft
Jul 19, 2017 at 7:51 am
As he’s been missing so many fairways recently with the driver, this may work out good for him.
chris
Jul 19, 2017 at 6:01 am
Don’t think this is his first rodeo, pretty sure he knows (Cog)
SLDR stinger
Jul 19, 2017 at 1:55 am
I mash it real good with the lowest spinning driver set up
BJB
Jul 18, 2017 at 10:31 pm
what arthritis meds and statins is he bringing with him?
sam
Jul 19, 2017 at 1:48 am
That is really weak. What a pathetic life you must live …
John Krug
Jul 19, 2017 at 7:51 am
Pathetic comment.
3 metal stinger
Jul 18, 2017 at 6:39 pm
I am now dumber after reading this
John Krug
Jul 19, 2017 at 8:01 am
Most?
Matt
Jul 20, 2017 at 4:24 am
Good thinking. Might have to bag the old Hogan 1i and persimmon for a practice alongside the Epic and see if it helps my crap swing.